In 1980, Elise and Steve Seyfried arrived in Philadelphia, after two years of touring with school assembly programs throughout the Northeastern US. Based on their experiences, they decided to create their own touring company, and Duet Productions was born.  Their first show, a two-actor version of The Wizard of Oz, was a big success. Soon they were booking over 100 performances each year, and writing new shows as well. Quickly, the scripts added up: Alice in Wonderland. Toad's Escape. Peter Pan. Aladdin. 

OUR STORY

The Seyfrieds discovered the beauty of the Delaware shore when they toured Delaware libraries. In 1982, they founded the Rehoboth Summer Children’s Theatre, bringing classic stories like Cinderella and Snow White to the beach.  More actors were brought on, always working in the two-actor format. Acting for young audiences was great, but Steve and Elise felt it was time to get kids involved in performing themselves. In 1986, they created the non-profit company Family Stages, with workshops, after school programs, and summer camps for children and youth, in addition to touring shows.  Through the decades, Family Stages and the Rehoboth Summer Children’s Theatre have continued to delight audiences in Pennsylvania, New Jersey, Maryland and Delaware. Dozens of new plays have been added to the roster, including The Emperor’s New Clothes, Puss in Boots, The Legend of Finn McCool (from Irish folklore), and Pedrolino in a Pinch (based on Italy’s Commedia dell’arte).

During the pandemic years, Family Stages and RSCT had to adapt, but the Seyfrieds have found many creative ways to keep the organization going and growing. They are now bringing the joy of theatre to a third generation of young audiences.